Just another lazy Saturday

 

It's around 10:00 am, and we have just reached Castle Lake, located west of Mt. Shasta and close to Lake Siskiyou.

This morning, I felt a spark of excitement for a "senior" adventure! So, Pa, our senior dog, Laydee, and I climbed into the old car and headed a bit north. 

The weather was simply too glorious to stay home.  The recent storms left beautiful snow on the mountains, and I always love to witness it for myself. 

What a perfect day to explore and soak up the stunning scenery. 

With temperatures around 39 degrees, at the lake, the shade felt a bit chilly, but in the sun, we were perfectly comfortable! I wore a sweater with a furry vest, the perfect combo for our adventure. I prefer lighter layers, especially knowing it would warm up as we hiked. 

While the snow may not be piling up just yet, it's on the horizon! After all, we're in the midst of the beautiful fall season, and you can almost feel that chilly excitement in the air. 

Get ready for the winter wonderland that's just around the corner!

It was 2011, and a magical scene unfolded as the lake lay blanketed in a thick layer of ice. The world around seemed to pause, creating a serene winter wonderland about an hour away. 

For someone from the Bay Area, this was really different to me. 

It’s been since 2011 that we had the chance to venture up there in the winter - and to think this was supposedly a drought year! 😉

Laydee bravely stepped into the icy water. 

Labs have an undeniable passion for water, and if we hadn't stopped her, she would have eagerly leaped in for a swim!

Several families showed off their cheerful Christmas sweaters and captured a moment with their cameras.  Perhaps holiday photo cards are in the works! My husband even snapped a picture of one family against this festive backdrop.

Let's follow this trail...

Glistening patches of ice scattered like jewels across the ground. 

I just spotted my very first snow patches of the season! 

WARNING: cozy winter months ahead!

☃

I encountered something on the trail today I don't see all the time - needle ice! For those of you living in the northern regions, this might be a familiar sight during winter. 

So, what exactly is needle ice? 

It forms when soil temperatures are above freezing, while the air above drops below 32°F. This causes underground water to rise to the surface through capillary action, freezing into stunning, needle-like columns. Typically, this enchanting process happens at night when temperatures are at their lowest. You’ll often find needle ice along stream banks or soil terraces, creating a beautiful winter spectacle. 

Isn’t nature amazing?

A sweet little creek...

I just came across the cutest little Charlie Brown Christmas tree! It's so charming in its own unique way -  the perfect embodiment of holiday spirit. 

Now here's a memory that takes me back to my childhood! Every Christmas, we would venture into the Santa Cruz mountains to chop down our own Christmas tree.  In the early years after we moved here, we’d get a permit from the Forest Service to explore designated areas in search of our tree, surrounded by beautiful snow. It was always a fun adventure with our family. 

The last time we cut down this perfectly gorgeous tree in the forest, I felt sad. I questioned my decision.  The next year, we went to a Christmas Tree lot - and that was fine, but the prices were over $100+, so we finally opted for the convenience and price of an artificial tree, which has become our go-to. 

Behold the majestic Pacific silver fur, standing proud and still, a picture of effortless elegance. Its beauty captivates the eye, inviting you to bask in its tranquil presence.

Isn't it incredible how much more beautiful it looks in these natural surroundings than when covered in lights and artificial decorations? 

Just like our Creator made it. 

At this point, my husband made his way back to the car with Laydee since his back was acting up, and I wanted to ensure he stayed safe. I happily expressed my desire to capture a few more photos, so I continued on my hike. 

I truly wish we had gathered our chairs and simply soaked in all this breathtaking beauty together, but this time, Laydee joined us, and we’re genuinely dedicated to creating an adventure for her, enthusiastically embracing the experience, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort!

Patches of snow lingered on the ground, remnants of the earlier snowfall, but the sunshine promised warmth. 

Just at that moment, my eyes caught something extraordinary...

I caught a breathtaking glimpse of "The Mountain" towering in the distance!

As I drew nearer, a thrill of capturing the photo surged within me

Despite the chill and climbing over rocks, my mind drifts to rattlesnakes. By now, they're cozily huddled together for warmth, posing no real danger. 

But still...

I decided to head back to the car where my husband was. 

He prefers I stay close, but the invigorating cool air makes my heart race! Autumn, winter, and spring are my favorite seasons for hiking.

As we drove down the winding road, we suddenly spotted the perfect moment to pause. I couldn't resist the urge to capture the beauty around us, so we stopped for a quick photo opportunity.

Nestled just a short distance down the slope, Black Butte (a volcanic plug dome) beckons with its charm and beauty.

There she is!

Mt. Shasta stands majestically, a true gem of FAR Northern California and the proud namesake of our county. 

As we made our way back home, I couldn't help but admire the stunning clouds that filled the sky. 

cirrus clouds?

We’re almost home, and the weather is a perfect 73 degrees! 

What a lovely day

This is as vibrant a display of Fall colors as we can expect around here!

Here's our charming little bridge!

We’re almost home.  Just in time to enjoy lunch and settle in for a cozy nap!

As we journey across the shimmering expanse of Lake Shasta, I know home awaits us. Even Laydee perked up - her curiosity ignited. Isn't it something how they can pick up on the scents all around them, and I know she knew she was almost home. 

I believe we all really needed this boost this morning!

I really appreciate you coming along! Maybe, just maybe, later in the season I'll be able to share some beautiful snow with you!

Remember that you are never alone; God is with you every step of the way, offering His peace and strength. Whatever challenges you may face, trust that His grace is sufficient and His love is unfailing.

👣Looking for Bigfoot

 

Last month, we decided to venture over the hill to the coast. This scenic route is notorious for its ongoing construction, a consequence of the winter's relentless mudslides and rocky debris that frequently besiege the highway. As we navigated the twists and turns of the two-lane road, we encountered sections that had been reduced to a single lane, prompting us to pause and take turns with other vehicles from the opposite direction. 

🚗🚙🚕

Countless charming mountain towns are scattered across the landscape, each one a hidden gem nestled among the rugged peaks and lush valleys.

The drive is beautiful, filled with green trees and mountains in the background. Each turn shows something new to enjoy.

🌲🌲🌲

I have always had a deep affection for the rugged beauty of these mountains. 

The way the sunlight filtered through the leaves of the trees cast a golden glow. A true feast for my eyes.

Fortunately, the highway was relatively clear, with only a handful of vehicles on the roads. 

When you venture beyond the big cities and sprawling metropolitan areas of California, a different world unfolds before you. Instead of the familiar hum of traffic and congestion, you encounter unpopulated landscapes unmarred by the rush of vehicles and people. 

It almost feels like I'm on a roller coaster ride. 

A very rocky area here - with narrow roads. 

Excuse my dirty window. 

We have arrived! 

Now where is he/she?

👣👣👣

Willow Creek has a population of approximately 1,700 people and is situated along the Trinity River. Willow Creek is described as a "rugged mountain community nestled in the heart of the Six Rivers National Forest." 

This area of California is located in the Trinity/Shasta/Cascade Region.

Routes 299 and 96 are called the Big Foot highway!

It all began with this short film in October 1967. 

And now it is this! 

and this!

There are Bigfoot Museums all over the country.

 Here are just a few I could find. 

There are two in California (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Bailey Colorado 

Blue Ridge, Georgia

 Pocatello Idaho

 Portland Maine

Hastings Nebraska

 Talihini, Oklahoma

 Boring, Oregon

 Jefferson, Texas

  Sutton, West Virginia. 

Just outside the Big Foot Museum - pre-Big Foot era

They struck gold during the gold rush days -

And now it's Bigfoot Memorabilia and Cannabis. 

My inquiring mind is curious about the wild hairstyles you might get at a Bigfoot Barber! Just imagine the possibilities - though let’s be real, we all know Bigfoot himself never bothered with a shave or a trim. 

At least it is veteran-owned! 

Bigfoot was everywhere - they’re building a Bigfoot skatepark. They have festivals and parades, and their local paper is named after their famous celebrity. 

Growing up, the legend was always a mix of fun and just enough spookiness to make camping trips in these parts feel like an adventure. My sons, devoted high-country backpackers, have often heard mysterious calls echoing through the wilderness, calls they insist are Bigfoot. It only makes the trips that much more entertaining.

It could just as easily be one of the many self-proclaimed Bigfoot callers 📢 wandering the woods- pranksters hoping to tempt the legendary beast into making a grand entrance.

Okay, enough of that. Time to get some gas and head back home. 

Take Care, 

Debby

✔ A Friday Post

Trinidad Beach

This week has felt like a whirlwind, with my mind racing to keep up with everything unfolding around me. 

✔We arrived home on Monday evening. 

✔Tuesday was the day of that medical procedure. After I came home from that, I still had to carve out time to finalize my preparations for leading my BSF class the following day. This week, it was the Promise of Restoration - Ezekiel 36 and the Promise of Regeneration in Ezekiel 37. 

I have twelve women in my group, and they tend to be quite talkative, often going off on rabbit trails that often don't make much sense. It’s my responsibility to keep them focused; otherwise, they won’t absorb the lessons from Ezekiel. Last year, there wasn’t as much of that because they all really wanted to study.  I have to stay on top of this.  While I allow them a little leeway, I also need to step in and steer them back on track.  

✔ On Thursday morning, I began my Isaiah study. I REALLY enjoy this because I am not leading it and I can relax.  

✔As the day progressed, I began to look forward to my youngest son's 41st birthday. 

To mark the occasion, we all headed to his favorite place: 

Woody's, a local brewery and eatery. 

It was an enjoyable night filled with good food, great company, and plenty of laughter, as well as yummy crème brûlée. 

✔ Just before we were getting ready, we spotted Laydee's tail and noticed it was bleeding quite heavily, with streaks of blood splattered on the walls of the entryway where her tail was hitting the wall. My husband is a mother hen when it comes to her and gets a bit overwhelmed when he sees blood. 

I raised three boys by myself - I can handle this! 

I gently guided Laydee down and carefully examined her tail. After cleaning the area, I was relieved to see that the bleeding had finally stopped. However, upon further inspection, I discovered an open cyst that had burst, likely due to her beating her tail against the wall. I shaved her tail and bandaged it up as best as I could. So he elected to stay home to keep an eye on her. 

✔This morning, Laydee visited her veterinarian, and it was determined that she will return on Tuesday for a procedure to bob a small portion of her tail. Her tail is a part of her charming personality, but it’s for the best. Healing can be quite a challenge, especially when she’s always wagging it around! The thing is, she seems fine. But we don't want an infection. 

The last of the morning fog burning off...

So...

✔I've decided to make some adjustments to my blogging schedule for a while, as I'm struggling to keep up with reading blogs and posting due to my commitments during the week. I’ll experiment until I discover what suits me best. I will write a few posts on Sunday afternoon and then pre-schedule them for the days of the week when I am swamped. 

Next week, I have three appointments, all on Tuesday. 

✔Check Laydee in at the Vet for her surgery

 ✔Rush over for my dental cleaning in the morning 

✔ Then the follow-up appointment to have the bandage removed from the loop-recorder incision in the afternoon.  

A beautiful way to start the morning 

Last week, I mentioned feeling as though I had lost a day; well, this week, the sensation has intensified, making it seem like I've misplaced several days. Here it is, Friday, and it feels as if time has slipped through my fingers; this week has left me disoriented with the rhythm of the week. 

✔Everything is going well; my incision is healing without any issues. I’m grateful for that. 

✔The weather remains summer-like, with a high of 95 today, but we may experience some rain and Fall-like temperatures early next week, which would be welcome.

 ✔My house is not as clean as I like, and I am behind on my laundry.

 ✔Fall decorating? It will happen when it happens. 

And if all of that isn't enough, I'm also finding myself navigating the frustrating landscape of writer's block, where ideas for posts seem sparse and my thoughts barely form into anything meaningful to share that you would all find interesting.

I even wrote out the Hodgepodge and then looked at it, decided I didn't like it, so I deleted it. The same with a couple of other rushed posts. 

Life has been an exhilarating ride lately, filled with unexpected surprises and delightful twists that have kept me on my toes. Lord willing, I’m hoping that after Tuesday, things will finally begin to calm down a bit for the rest of the next week!

Until Next Time,

Debby